Public League playoffs: North Lawndale KOs Young

When North Lawndale gets in trouble, the Phoenix has an explosive fall-back plan.

It's called "Taylor Time."

John Taylor erupted for 11 of his game-high 22 points in the fourth quarter Wednesday night, enabling No. 5 North Lawndale to hold off No. 2 Young 66-57 in the Public League semifinals at DePaul.

Lawndale (23-5) will make its first title-game appearance Sunday at the UIC Pavilion, where it will face No. 7 Hyde Park (23-3). The Thunderbirds advanced to their first city championship in 53 years by routing No. 6 Foreman 64-44 in the first semfinal.

"It was time for me to step up," said Taylor, whose clutch basket with 1 minute 58 seconds left ended an 8-0 run by Young (19-9). "How do I know when? I just look up at the scoreboard."

Taylor also hit a critical three-pointer and wowed the McGrath Arena crowd with a stunning crossover.

After Young drew within 52-48, Lawndale went on a 12-4 run. Miles Mayfield contributed 12 points off the bench and Jonathan Mills had 14 rebounds for the Phoenix.

Marcus Jordan scored 13 points and Ahmad Starks 12 for the Dolphins.

The Phoenix avenged a 75-71 loss to Young on Jan. 16 that helped the Dolphins win the Public Red West regular-season title.